Fire officials across Western Massachusetts are sounding the alarm — the region is heading into what has been the deadliest time of year. Half of all fatal fires across the state last year roared through homes in March and April, and a staggering number of them were sparked in three of the four western counties.
“What we saw last year was a spike, and there could be any number of factors,” said Jake Wark, spokesperson for the Department of Fire Services. “The fundamental message is smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. They’re going to give you faster notice than you might have if you’re relying on your nose to smell smoke in the basement, attic or between the walls.”
